OSRS Best Defence Training Weapon

OSRS Best Defence Training Weapon

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), training Defence is crucial for building a resilient character capable of withstanding tough enemies and bosses. Choosing the right weapon for Defence training can significantly impact your experience rates and efficiency. This guide explores the best weapons for training Defence in OSRS, tailored to various Attack levels and budgets, to help you optimize your combat training. Whether you’re aiming for level 99 Defence or just looking to boost your stats for PvM or PvP, we’ve got you covered with detailed insights and recommendations.

Defence is a core melee combat skill that reduces the accuracy of enemy attacks, allowing you to take less damage in combat. A higher Defence level also unlocks access to better armor, such as Barrows or Torva, which further enhances your survivability. Training Defence efficiently requires a weapon that balances attack speed, accuracy, and damage output to maximize experience per hour (XP/h). Since Defence XP is gained by dealing damage while using the appropriate combat style (e.g., Block or Longrange for ranged), the weapon you choose plays a pivotal role.

Key Factors for Choosing a Defence Training Weapon

When selecting a weapon for Defence training, consider the following:

  • Attack Speed: Faster weapons (e.g., 4-tick, 2.4 seconds) generally yield higher XP rates due to more frequent hits.
  • Accuracy: Higher Attack bonuses improve hit consistency, especially against high-Defence monsters.
  • Strength Bonus: While less critical for Defence training, a decent Strength bonus boosts damage, increasing XP indirectly.
  • Cost and Accessibility: Budget-friendly options are ideal for low-to-mid-level players, while high-end weapons suit maxed accounts.

Best Weapons for Defence Training by Attack Level

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The best Defence training weapon depends on your Attack level, as it determines which weapons you can wield. Below, we break down the top choices for different Attack level brackets, focusing on their effectiveness for Defence training.

Low-Level (1–40 Attack)

For players with low Attack levels, options are limited, but there are still effective weapons for Defence training. These are ideal for new players or those starting fresh accounts.

  • Swift Blade: Requires 1 Attack and is one of the best low-level options due to its 4-tick attack speed and decent accuracy. It’s affordable and great for training at Sand Crabs or Rock Crabs.
  • Rune Scimitar: At 40 Attack, the Rune Scimitar becomes the go-to choice. Its fast attack speed and balanced stats make it excellent for Defence training on low-Defence monsters like Sand Crabs.

Mid-Level (40–70 Attack)

Mid-level players have access to more powerful weapons, offering better XP rates and versatility.

  • Brine Sabre: Requires 40 Attack and outperforms the Rune Scimitar with a +2 Strength and Slash bonus. It’s a budget-friendly upgrade for Defence training.
  • Dragon Scimitar: Unlocked at 60 Attack after completing Monkey Madness I, this weapon is a staple for mid-level players. Its +66 Strength bonus and 4-tick speed make it ideal for Defence training at locations like the Nightmare Zone (NMZ).
  • Sarachnis Cudgel: At 65 Attack, this weapon is a cost-effective alternative to higher-tier options. It offers solid stats and is obtainable from the Sarachnis boss, making it accessible for mid-level players.

High-Level (70+ Attack)

High-level players can wield some of the most powerful weapons in OSRS, significantly boosting Defence XP rates.

  • Abyssal Whip: Requiring 70 Attack, the Abyssal Whip is a classic choice for Defence training. Its 4-tick speed and high accuracy, especially when paired with a Dragon or Avernic Defender, make it highly effective. Use the “Block” style to focus Defence XP.
  • Saradomin Sword: Also requiring 70 Attack, this two-handed sword matches the Abyssal Whip’s attack speed but offers a higher Strength bonus (+82). It’s a great alternative for players who prefer two-handed weapons or can’t afford a defender.
  • Ghrazi Rapier: At 80 Attack, the Ghrazi Rapier is a top-tier option for Defence training. Its superior accuracy and Strength bonus make it ideal for high-Defence monsters, though its high cost may limit accessibility.

Optimizing Defence Training with Gear and Setup

Your weapon is only part of the equation. To maximize Defence XP, pair your weapon with the right gear and combat setup.

Recommended Armor for Defence Training

Armor should prioritize Defence bonuses to reduce incoming damage, allowing longer training sessions. Here’s a tiered list:

Attack Level Recommended Armor Defence Bonus
1–40 Rune Armour +150–200
40–60 Dragon Armour +200–250
60–70 Barrows (e.g., Verac’s) +300–350
70+ Bandos or Torva +400+

Enhancing XP with Defenders and Accessories

Defenders, obtained from the Warriors’ Guild, significantly boost accuracy and Strength, improving XP rates. The progression is:

  • Dragon Defender: Requires 60 Defence and 130 Attack+Strength combined. Offers a good balance of offence and defence.
  • Avernic Defender: Requires 70 Defence and is the best-in-slot off-hand for melee, providing superior bonuses.

Accessories like the Amulet of Torture, Berserker Ring, and Fire Cape further enhance your combat stats, increasing damage output and XP/h.

Best Training Locations for Defence

The location you choose can affect your Defence training efficiency. Here are the top spots, tailored to your weapon and level.

Sand Crabs (Low to Mid-Level)

Sand Crabs on Zeah are perfect for low-to-mid-level players due to their low Defence (1) and high HP (60). They’re semi-AFK, allowing you to train with minimal effort. Use a Rune Scimitar or Dragon Scimitar for optimal results.

Nightmare Zone (Mid to High-Level)

The Nightmare Zone (NMZ) is a popular choice for mid-to-high-level players. It’s 100% AFK with the right setup, and you can use Absorption potions to extend sessions. The Abyssal Whip or Saradomin Sword shines here, especially with Obsidian Armour for a 10% damage boost.

Slayer Tasks (High-Level)

Training Defence through Slayer is highly efficient, as the Slayer Helmet provides a 16.67% melee boost on task. Use high-tier weapons like the Ghrazi Rapier or Abyssal Whip on tasks like Dust Devils or Nechryaels for excellent XP and profit.

Strategies to Maximize Defence XP

To get the most out of your Defence training, consider these strategies:

Use Combat Potions

Super Defence, Super Attack, and Super Strength potions boost your stats, increasing accuracy and damage. For high-level players, Overloads (from NMZ) provide a 5–19 boost to all combat skills, drastically improving XP rates.

Train on Low-Defence Monsters

Monsters with low Defence, like Sand Crabs or NMZ bosses, allow you to land more hits, resulting in higher XP/h. Avoid high-Defence monsters unless using specialized weapons like Osmumten’s Fang.

Leverage AFK Methods

NMZ and Sand Crabs are ideal for AFK training. Use Absorption potions in NMZ or aggro resets at Sand Crabs to minimize interaction while maintaining high XP rates.

Conclusion

Choosing the best Defence training weapon in OSRS depends on your Attack level, budget, and training goals. For low-level players, the Rune Scimitar and Swift Blade are excellent starting points. Mid-level players should aim for the Dragon Scimitar or Sarachnis Cudgel, while high-level players can’t go wrong with the Abyssal Whip, Saradomin Sword, or Ghrazi Rapier. Pair your weapon with optimal gear, such as Barrows or Bandos armor, and train at locations like Sand Crabs, NMZ, or Slayer tasks to maximize efficiency. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to 99 Defence, ready to tackle Gielinor’s toughest challenges.